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Friday, July 26, 2013

Yeah, I've seen it happening--advertisements for back to school, Halloween decorations, bathing suits on the clearance rack (mostly mismatched bikinis). It's happening. It has to happen. Fall is coming. The sun may be setting on summertime, but I am not done. Not yet anyway.

No, there is still summer fun to be had--lightening bugs to catch, pools to be jump in, beaches to roam, baseball to play. No, summer I am not done with you yet, it is so not over.

I know for sure that Fall has to happen, so I am going to make the most of every single summertime moment I have.

Here's what else I know for sure (this week):

Marriage is hard, but I have a really good one and I feel so happy. Tim and I celebrated our wedding anniversary this past week, lucky number 13, with a dance on our front porch.

People need to sing and dance a little more, everywhere. To feel happier you should watch SoulPancake's YouTube videos. They are full of joy. Here's one with the most fun elevators evah.

Our world has been off the last week because Super Lucy was at camp. Today is the day I pick her up and I.Can't.Wait.

We were all a little lost with out our wonder girl. I mean, come on, every moment is an adventure with her. You never know what she will dream up or even wear to dinner (here she is last week complete w/my old prom dress and many accessories).

I'm going to miss my front porch while I'm gone the next week and a half. Here's the set up for a painting party Lucy had with friends before she went to camp. So fun.

Traveling alone with four kids can be overwhelming. If you missed it, here's how I prepare to take this circus on the road...it's called denial.

What do you know for sure (this week)? C'mon, we're friends, share what you know. Are you enjoying summertime? Leave a comment here or on theFacebook page.

I'm linking up today with my friends Greta from Gfunkified.comand Sarah fromSundaySpill.comfor the #iPPP link up. They host a link up where they encourage people to share "your funny, your yummy, your heartfelt, your favorite photos of the week" from our phones.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

I haven't vlogged as much this summer, but I'm getting back in the game. This week, I'm talking about prepping to go on my big ol' road trip in a little over 24 hours. Check out what I'm doing to prepare and why I have crazy eyes below:

(If you're an email subscriber click here http://youtu.be/5YNi7giwHds to watch.)Subscribe to my YouTube channel here!Follow us on our road trip on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. The adventure begins this Thursday.I also linked up with Mama Kat's Vlogging Prompts this week to give advice on how to apply false eyelashes. It's an older video, but the advice is still good. Yeah, it's advice on what not to do, but it's still good advice. Check it out:

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

One of my favorite things about summer is my annual road trip. There is nothing better than the open road in my opinion. Even if it's the open road in a minivan with four kids. I seriously love it. Last year,I decorated the minivan. It was a huge success. But a year later, all the paint hasn't quite come off the minivan which we now refer to as "Daddy's polka dot car." He loves that. This year, we have a fancy new leased minivan. While I'm happy it has working air conditioning (the polka dot car doesn't), I'm not happy we can't paint the hell out of it. But it's probably best not to, I get it.So in honor of this summer's road trip, I made T-shirts. Yeah, that's right, family road trip shirts that must be worn (at least on the first day of our travels). In this week's Pinterest Poser Challenge** I look to Pinterest to live out a dream---matching t-shirts like we are a band traveling from gig to gig.

**In an attempt at not being a Pinterest Poser,* every week I detail a new Pinterest challenge whether it be a new recipe or a craft.

*My definition of a Pinterest Poser is someone who is all pins and no substance.

This craft is actually based on another Pinterest Poser project that I did last Christmas, based on a pin/project from DesignMom.com.For our road trip, I took the kids to Michael's to pick out our T-shirts. I envisioned all of us in the same color, but then one of the kids said something like "we're all individuals mom with our own minds" and my heart burst with pride. So, I told them to get whatever color they wanted. Instead of a family with matching road trip T-shirts we sort of look like a group traveling the southeastern United States to promote Skittles.

Not pictured: The purple Skittle rep who was away at camp at the time this picture was taken.

Figuring out what to put on our shirts was the next step. Out of safety concerns I didn't put their names on their shirts. Remember growing up in the early '80s and all those shirts we had with our names on the back? Sparkly names, big and bold for anyone out there to read. I'm not overly anxious about the world, but that just seems unsafe. So, no names. I wanted to list the cities we were going to just like a concert t-shirt, but that's a lot of letter cutting. We're heading down south for a family reunion this year, so I tried to use that to brainstorm ideas. We are are on an extremely tight budget, Tim is not able to come with us because he has to work, I haven't started packing and we leave in a few days, we are loud, rowdy and a lot to handle....with that in mind it seemed perfect to put this on the front:Ready or NotAnd this on the back:Here We ComeSo if you are on the highway next week and you see a van with pink fuzzy dice and what looks like a band of kooky characters representing the rainbow, give us a wave or a honk. Because ready or not, here we come.

How To Make Family Road Trip T-shirtsSupplies Needed:Cheap T-shirtsContact paper or Duct Tape paper (the second choice works better in my experience)BleachTowelsScissorsHow To:Step one and two and three: Pick your phrase. Write it out and cut it out.I just drew out my letters and traced them onto contact paper. I cut out the letters on the way home from dropping Lucy off at camp. Tim drove and I cut and cut and cut. Depending on your phrase it can be pretty tedious work.Step four: Place your letters onto the shirt.Step five: Put a towel inside the shirt so the bleach doesn't bleed through to the other side.Step six: Pour bleach into a bowl, dab a towel into the bleach and start dabbing the shirt over the spot you want the phrase.Step seven: Let it dry. Actually throw it in the dryer once the bleach is almost dry and this step will go faster.Step eight: Wear it with pride you crafty person you.Words of Warning:Not all my shirts turned out perfectly, bleach can be pretty tricky. I bleached parts I didn't mean too. If you use too much on the towel when you dab, it will seep right through the contact paper, your towel and the shirt. And well it can just be pretty messy. Bleach with caution, people.

Have you made something from Pinterest lately? Had any great successes? Or advice? Or warning about a project that's a total waste of time? OR any family road trip stories?Do tell.

Please share whatever you're working on in the comments here or over onFacebook.And follow us on our road trip on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. The adventure begins this Thursday.Come on over and follow myPinterestboards.

Here are some of the projects I've already attempted, the good and the bad:

Monday, July 22, 2013

"You've broken the Golden Rule like 20 times already this morning!," screamed Lucy at her brother this morning. Upon hearing this, I didn't hear the screech in her scream or the utter annoyance with her brother. No, I heard that she knows the Golden Rule. Okay, okay, she wasn't using the rule, but she knows it. And I think somewhere I get bonus points for that, right?I'm not usually a half-full kind of person. But sometimes on this wild ride of parenthood, I am forced to look at the silver lining to make me feel like a semi-successful mother. In other I-might-just-be-somewhat-of-a-decent-mom news, I bought a $20 Slip n' Slide for the kids and they loved it.

Sure it destroyed large sections of our backyard and the slide was ripped and ruined after three days of use, but they had a blast. And they played nicely with each other for hours. See that? Another half-full/silver lining moment.Watch out folks, I'm on a roll.

This past weekend was a busy, summer weekend full of sliver linings and good times.And painting rocks, playing dress up, a farmers' market, baseball, an outdoor movie (BRAVE) and more.

How was your weekend? What were your silver linings? Have any half-full parenting moments?

Friday, July 19, 2013

I think the only thing I know for sure this week is that it's been hot, really hot. So hot that my brain feels foggy and all I want to do is be lazy, and I'm not normally a lazy kind of chick. No worries, there was no way that was going to happen. It's nearly impossible to be lazy when you have four kids waking up each morning asking "what fun and super amazing, exciting thing are we going to do today?"The heat made it a little tricky because it was too hot to do a lot---riding bikes, playing in the park, going for nature walks. So, we spent lots of time at the pool.

The oldest two are driving me crazy recapping episodes of MADtv on Cartoon Network, but they find each other hilarious and I love that.

Our lack of extra money made it a little tricky because it was too expensive to go see movies. So, we watched movies on Netflix and got some at the library (we rented The Parent Trap and man, Lindsey Lohan really was such a good little kid actor).

The library loves us because we aren't loud or rowdy at all.

It was so hot, we were together a lot. The air conditioning on our second level doesn't work that great so the boys have a window air conditioner in their room. Well, Lucy got the futon out and slept on the floor of their room. Even more togetherness.

They set up a fort in the basement and wanted to watch a movie together before bed. Yeah, Peyton isn't so into the movie but I love how he stays with the group.

It was so hot, I wouldn't even get that mad if the kids fought all the time and were just piss-y about all the togetherness and the no movies and the not so super amazing, exciting things I had planned for them everyday. But they didn't fight (that much) and they weren't mad (all the time). More often than not, the kids were happy with all the togetherness. It's like they know it's borrowed time, it won't last. Things will change and right now, even though it's hot as hell, being together is pretty super amazing. So there, I know two things for sure this week, it's hot and I have some of the coolest kids on the planet.

Feedback can sting. I got a YouTube comment that said "you need to chill lady, get a counselor." Ouch. But he's probably right. Waaaaa. Help me fight off the pain of his insightful, yet mean spirited, comment by subscribing to my YouTube channel. Yeah, I just turned a sad story into a shameless plug. Mmm-hmmmm.

Cosi, the puppy, is still here. Of course she is, I made it clear we aren't giving up on her, but some days, my god, I question my devotion. Unless they are days when I find JT snuggling with her, then it's just all kinds of patting myself on the back for saving her from deportation.

I'm having fun on Instagram, come on over and play with me at @jumpingwithmyfingerscrossed. I'm doing a whole hashtag series called #frontporchchronicles because I am still in love with my porch.

What do you know for sure (this week)? C'mon, we're friends, share what you know. How are you beating the heat? Leave a comment here or on theFacebook page.

I'm linking up today with my friends Greta from Gfunkified.comand Sarah fromSundaySpill.comfor the #iPPP link up. They host a link up where they encourage people to share "your funny, your yummy, your heartfelt, your favorite photos of the week" from our phones.

Thursday, July 18, 2013

When I was little, my mother took me to restaurants and water fountains in her hometown in Alabama that she remembered having a "white only" sign. She told me stories of what segregation looked like when she was a little girl. She talked to me about things that seemed to have happened a million years in the past in my young, naive mind. Her talks made an impression in my young mind and on my heart. In the aftermath of the Zimmerman verdict--the outrage and heartache of so many--my first reaction was to protect my kids from the news and keep them in their bubble. And what could I say? I'm a white woman, what can I really tell my sons? But then I remembered my mother talking to me when I was much younger than my oldest son (who is 11). Those talks that made that impression on my heart. I wanted to do something like that for my son. Then I read my friend's Facebook post and I was so moved. And I let my son read it and then we talked about injustice, prejudice, struggle, confusion, hate and love.I'm sharing it with you (with my friend's gracious permission), because we all know it's not just the kids that need to hear important talks about racial injustice and prejudice. I'm having trouble wrapping my brain around all of the hate and prejudice that exists in the world. But I know that I will have the important talks to make impressions on my kids' hearts. So that they will be more compassionate, empathetic and fight for good in the world. So that they will be outraged at prejudice and know they need to have as many talks with as many people as they can until there is a change. Here's the very important and eye-opening story from my friend Geoff Walker. I grew up with Geoff in the same elementary, middle and high schools. I knew about some of the things that went on in his story, but so much of it surprised me. I am so grateful for social media which made it possible for me to read his story and now share it. I hope it opens eyes, minds and hearts and inspires talks with your children and your friends.

I am Martin "I have a dream" & I am Malcolm "By Any Means" This is the duality of being black in America. I don't think I ever was mad or angry. I don't think I was pissed or furious. I think I am frustrated with the system, but I know I will "soldier"on, because that is how I am wired and that is just what I do.

I am not alone in these feelings. I know I will still fight for those less fortunate in this country of any color through my philanthropic efforts. If you ask me how do I feel? I think the best description is just I feel numb.

What this verdict has done is bring up a bunch of of memories historical to me of growing as a young black man. Read on if you like.

Let's get to it.

I have been called Nigger(I won't type it again the rest of this piece) growing up more times than I can even remember. I have been called a spook, porch monkey, colored, jungle bunny and whatever other derogatory name for black people. Or my favorite non derogatory name, but oh so very condescending word "boy".

Looking back I realize I could only "reconcile" these names in the somewhat protective confines of the "field of play". Usually in the two sports I was very good at growing up. On the Soccer field, I would guess I was called the N-Word well over a 100 times. By the time I was a teenager, it was so common place I learned I would usually be called the N-Word, because I had broken the spirit of the opposing team or player by dominating the field of play. It got to the point that I actually would laugh when the inevitable N-Word would come. I could often feel it building up inside of the opposing player. Like clockwork it would be "You Suck N*$$3r!" or You are still a Ni$$3r"! I would look at the guy and laugh, like "Seriously man, is that all you have to say? Because my team is kicking your ass and I am crushing you and have taken all of your confidence? You are soft man, come up with something more creative because apparently this "Ni$$3r" is busting your ass!"

By this time, my boys on my Soccer team would have overheard what was going on or the commotion and often would come to my defense usually in "payback"mode. My boys like Tyler Williams and Josh Sheldon if you know them, you know they have hearts of gold if you don't two white guys, who are like my brothers to this day.

Handling it on the field of play is one thing as you can cleanly slide tackle someone or give a hard foul as payback. Or just win the game smile at them when you shake hands afterwards and give them a little wink. They know they are defeated. However, it was far more complicated off the field of play and in the hallways of the schools where you are supposed to be in a safe haven and be educated.

I vividly remember the moment in 3rd grade at the dinner table with my parents when they asked me how school was? It was probably the 6th or 7th time of being called "Coon" & "Ni$$3r" at recess and "sucking it up" that I finally told them. A 5th grade bully(I know his name but won't put it here, because some of my home-towners may be friends on Facebook with the clown.) My parents were visibly upset and if not for the fact that it was 7pm at the dinner table,they would have driven up to School to meet with the Principal. Ultimately, the issue via my parents meetings eventually got resolved. I was too young to reconcile the words he said, I just knew that they really hurt me and I knew fighting in school regardless of what I was being called was not an option. My parents resolved that one for me and told me that this probably will not be the last time that you have to deal with racial slurs being slung at you, but you have to know its ignorant people who are saying these things to hurt you and you always have to rise above it.

High School- How many of you have ever been put on a "hitlist" because your skin is black? You find out you are on the so called "hitlist"by a young kid trying to start a KKK chapter within your high school. The "hitlist" was taken serious enough by the administration that they notified the police. Local news picked it up. It was serious enough where I was not comfortable walking the hallways of my high school for a period of time. Serious enough where patrol cars circled my cul-de-sac at my home at night. Serious enough where I remember students from other schools Loy Norrix, Portage Northern, K-Central coming over to my high school ready to "beat down" this so called baby "Grand Dragon". My old soccer and basketball brothers and general student body were ready to fight if necessary. My friends drove me to and from school just to make sure I was not alone. My parents, law enforcement and school administration from my perspective did the right thing to attempt to resolve the issue.

College-I was more insulated from the realities of the plight of other members of the student body, because I spent most my time in class or at basketball games. It was never lost on me the tone or reaction of other kids and being called the N-word a few times on campus by a couple ignorant students. I also was not immune to the fact that other minority students dealt with a lot more day to day bias than I ever had to endure. I never would fight and I never could fight because of that fact. I would chuckle and laugh at them the same way that I did on the Soccer field in high school. Like c'mon man do you think that even hurts anyone anymore? I did wear the black arm band during games to let the other students of color know that I was with them and they were not alone in the sometimes difficult plight of being black or Latin on campus.

Boston- I am hopeful I can get a cab in 2013, but I couldn't in 1997-1999 if it were dark out. Not saying it was because I am black, but it sure was interesting when they would drive by and pick up the other guy down the block(who wasn't black). I walked from 125 High Street in Financial district to my Place above Boston Beer works across from Fenway many nights.

Los Angeles-2005 Beverly Hills, CA on Canon Dr. leaving my friends Art Gallery heading to a friends place near Beverly Hills Hotel. Every persons heartbeat skipping moment, the flashing lights in your review mirror. When you are black, those lights make you feel a little uneasier.Top down, on silver convertible, so it was easy to see who I was. Both officers walk up to car. My hands at 10 & 2. "What are you doing here in this neighborhood?" Just left my friends Art Gallery and I am heading to my friends house. "Really?"(sarcastic tone) What Gallery?". I give the name. "Where is the house?" About 1/2 mile from here, right behind BHills Hotel. "You been drinking"? No. Any reason you pulled me over? "We have had a slew of break ins in this neighborhood." Ok, and you are pulling me over for? "This is a nice car? ". Thanks. "What do you do?" I work at Merrill. "Do you have anything in the car that you should not have?" No. "No Drugs, No Alcohol?" No. "Ok, Imma ask you to get out of the car?" For? "Sir, I am not going to ask you again, get out of the car and pass me your license and registration...." At this point you remember everything you have been told about police and how to handle this situation as a black man. The Jay Z 99 problems verse is not going to work at this moment. You have no choice but to do what you are told.

"Mr. Walker sit on that curb over there. What am I going to find in your car, Drugs or Alcohol, Gun anything in the trunk?"

I drive home, pissed. I file a complaint the next day. (I want to put his name out there, but I won't as he is still working for BHPD on a recent google search)

This happens to soooooo many of us that have grown up in this country. Its our story. No hoodie, I was in a suit & tie it doesn't matter.

I am acutely aware that all it takes is one person in authority with poor judgement to take 20 minutes of my freedom or longer on a bogus racial profile and search of my car at any moment and at any given time.

THIS HAPPENS ANY GIVEN DAY IN THIS COUNTRY!

My stories are the same stories of millions of people of color. This is why there is frustration with this outcome. We soldier on daily, but the question is will this ever stop? It takes a 17 year old losing his life and a man going free to discuss it. 1970s I was born, 1980s I was called racial slurs, 1990s I was called racial slurs, 2000s I was pulled over for being black in Bev Hills.

2013 I have a dream that by any means necessary we can stop repeating this vicious cycle of prejudice in my lifetime. I can only hope. Pray for the country and the world.